A good essay consist of strong paragraphs with a Main Idea, Evidence or Examples with an Analysis to support your quotes and argument. An essay should have

1. Main Idea
 Every paragraph should have one Main Idea.
 If you find that your paragraphs have more
than one Main Idea:
 Separate your paragraphs
 With only one main point.
 Introduce an idea in a paragraph and expand
upon it.
 Begin a new paragraph with a new topic.

2. Evidence/Examples
A Main Idea in a paragraph needs
support with;
Evidence that supports an
argument
Examples that explain an idea

3. Analysis
 Analysis is an interpretation of what is being said about
an Idea, an Evidence or Examples.
 An Analysis explains how ideas are compared to
others’ ideas
 An Analysis shows is if an author is being
persuasive
 An Analysis shows strengths & weaknesses of the
argument
 A quote of another author is always supported with
Evidence and an Analysis.
 An Analysis demonstrates how quotes is important in
the argument.
 However, NEVER write a quote without an Analysis

4. Link
 Link paragraphs to a thesis, argument,
Main idea, and/or the following
paragraph.
 Creates logic
 Organizes the paper being written
 A Link also helps the readers
understand the logic and organization of
an argument and/or main points.